Abu Dhabi: Jeev Milkha Singh made a good start to his campaign at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championsh-ip as he was 2-under throu-gh 16 holes in the first rou-nd, even as world No. 1 Ro-ry McIlroy hit three-over 75, here on Thursday.
Jeev had birdies on first, second, sixth and eighth holes. Tiger Woods carded even par 72.

Rashid shines

Hua Hin: Rashid Khan is among those who kept their bids for Asian Tour cards alive after the second round of the Qualifying School First Stage Section B, here on Thursday. He was in tied eighth place after hitting an overall three-under 133.

Rijkaard fired

Riyadh: Saudi Arabia have sacked Frank Rijkaa-rd as coach of the national soccer team after 18 mont-hs in charge, the country’s football federation has announced.

India lose

Calcutta: The Indian wo-men’s football team went down 0-2 to the Netherlands in an international friendly at the Chhatrapati Shahu Stadium here on Thursday.

Rafa return

Santiago: Rafa Nadal wi-ll make his comeback from injury at next month’s Chi-le Open. “I’m delighted to confirm my participation in Vina del Mar in Chile,” Nadal wrote on Facebook.

Amendment

New Delhi: Following the sports ministry’s directive asking all NSFs to fall in line with the sports code, the Table Tennis Federation of India has amen-ded its constitution by incorporating the provisions with regard to age and tenure.

Cox rap

Melbourne: Slamming Cricket Australia’s rotation policy for players, former national selector Jamie Cox said those who are worried about fatigue should consider skipping the IPL.

Misbah support

Karachi: Former Pakis-tan players on Thursday said it was surprising to see that Misbah-ul Haq’s contribution to the team’s success was not found good enough for recognition at the annual PCB awards ceremony held in Lahore last week.

Zaka point

Karachi: PCB chief Zaka Ashraf is adamant that they took the right decision by not sending the national players for the Bangladesh Premier League after the BCB twice backed out of its commitment to tour Pakistan.

Ashraf said that the forthcoming Pakistan Super League will provide compensation to the players who were not given NOC’s to go to Bangladesh.

Finch best

Calcutta: Melbourne Renegades captain Aaron Finch has capped a stellar season by being named the KFC T20 Big Bash League’s Player of the Tournament on Thursday. Finch polled 21 votes to finish a winner ahead of Shaun Marsh (17) and Lasith Malinga (16).